Page 61 of Duplicitous
“No one’s with me, but there are plenty of tourists around.”
“Stay where you are. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
“Are you that close?” I ask.
York is small, but I assumed he’d be across town at King’s Manor.
“I’m in town already. I’m on my way to you.”
“Thanks.” I’m grateful he’s not farther away.
“No need to thank me. Stay on the phone. Talk to me.”
“About what?”
“Tell me what you know about Clifford’s Tower. I’m sure you’ve already read about it.”
I huff to cover how shaky I am. “This isn’t class, Professor.”
“No, but I know you’re passionate about history. So am I. I want to learn about it.”
“Don’t you already know everything?”
He laughs. “Hardly. Although I’m flattered that you think I do.”
“Humility from Professor Hirst? You continue to surprise me.”
“At least it’s notProfessor Arseholeanymore,” he quips. “My humility wouldn’t be so surprising if you gave me the benefit of the doubt. Has anyone ever told you that you’re a bit judgmental?”
“Maybe you’ve earned this reputation,” I counter flippantly. “My judgment is just fine.”
“Clifford’s Tower, Lena,” he redirects me in a chiding tone. “Tell me about it. You have three minutes to educate me.”
I snort. “Who’s the teacher now?”
“Do you want to be the one in charge here?” he drawls, voice dropping deeper. “That can be arranged.”
A shiver races over me.
“I’d prefer not to.” I try and fail to be dismissive.
His low rumble is pure masculine satisfaction. “Noted.”
I press my lips together, too flustered to come up with a reply. I can’t seem to stop flirting with him.
“Two minutes now, Lena,” he prompts. “Don’t disappoint me.”
I sigh and rattle off some facts about Clifford’s Tower. It seems safer than continuing to verbally spar with him.
True to his word, Rand appears a couple minutes later, jogging across the parking lot that surrounds the historic monument.
He’s in his usual academic attire, satchel slung over his shoulder.
“Those shoes can’t be comfortable to run in,” I remark when he reaches me.
“You see the pain I endure for you?” he replies, dramatically aggrieved. “You should be nicer to me.”
I take a moment to consider him. “Yes, I probably should. Thank you for coming to check on me.”
